Columbia, SC — In a powerful act of compassion and leadership off the court, South Carolina Women’s Basketball Head Coach Dawn Staley has announced a groundbreaking initiative: the Hall of Famer is investing $3.6 million of her personal fortune to convert a historic but long-abandoned house in downtown Columbia into a fully equipped shelter and empowerment center for homeless youth.
The shelter, named “Champions House,” is a nod to Staley’s philosophy that “every young person has the potential to become a champion — in sports, in life, in their community — if only they are given a safe place to grow.” This news comes after months of quiet planning, sparked by a tragic incident involving a 17-year-old former student-athlete who died while living unsheltered just miles from the University of South Carolina campus.
“I was devastated when I heard the story,” Staley said during a press conference Tuesday morning, visibly emotional. “No one — especially a child — should have to choose between sleeping on the street and surviving. If I can lead young women to national championships, I can lead in this space too. This is personal.”
A Home with Purpose
The house, a 7,000-square-foot Victorian structure dating back to 1894, had sat in decay for nearly two decades. But under Staley’s vision, it will be reborn as a beacon of hope. Renovations are already underway and expected to be completed by early 2026. The facility will feature:
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Emergency and transitional housing for up to 30 youth
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On-site counselors and mental health professionals
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Classrooms for GED and skills-based learning
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A fitness center and wellness room
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A kitchen and dining area operated by culinary interns from local colleges
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A mentorship hub connecting residents with athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs
Staley is partnering with local nonprofits, the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, and former WNBA players to staff and fund ongoing programs.
Community Reacts
The announcement has sparked a wave of praise and gratitude across South Carolina.
“Coach Staley is a legend — not just in basketball, but in humanity,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “What she’s doing will change the lives of countless young people. This is more than charity; it’s social justice.”
Students from the university, many of whom credit Staley as a life-changing mentor, rallied behind the announcement. “She’s always told us to be bigger than basketball,” said Zia Cooke, a former USC star. “Now she’s showing the world exactly what that means.”
Larger Than Basketball
Staley’s commitment to youth isn’t new. Through her Innersole Foundation, she’s provided thousands of sneakers to underprivileged kids across the country. But this shelter marks a bold, deeply personal expansion of her mission.
“This isn’t a PR stunt. This is who she is,” said her longtime assistant coach Lisa Boyer. “She sees these kids — the ones no one else wants to see — and says, ‘I got you.’”
A Call to Action
Staley concluded her announcement with a challenge to her peers in sports and entertainment:
“You’ve been blessed — now be a blessing. Don’t wait for policy. Don’t wait for a perfect plan. Act. If we all take care of our own corners of the world, we can fix this.”
With construction already underway and donations pouring in from around the country, Champions House is poised to become a national model for athlete-led social impact. As Dawn Staley proves once again, greatness isn’t just measured in trophies — it’s measured in the lives you lift.
